A Detailed Study on Advanced Persistent Threats: A Sophisticated Threat

Abstract

In the present world computer networks are used to store sensitive information and to provide services for organizations and society. The growth of internet and the increased use of computers in society along with smart devices lead to the increase in cyber crimes and persistent attacks. The most complex and advanced attacks are targeted attacks which are specifically aimed at companies or governments to accomplish the predetermined goals such as economic advantages, strategic benefits, getting control of sensitive information. Hackers try to access sensitive data from cyber space and there by become as advanced malware developers for the security systems. One type of such attack is Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) which targets the governmental institutions, military, multinational enterprises, financial industry, manufacturing and banks. The approach that is followed by the attackers are repeated attempts using different methods such as , stealth approach, adapting to the existing defense mechanisms, stealthily infiltrating the network to avoid any suspicions like involving in sleep modes before commencing any attack. The effects of these attacks are ex-filtration of key intelligence property, stoppage of fundamental services, and destruction of critical infrastructure. This paper is about the detailed study of Advanced Persistent threats to provide an idea about the advanced attacks.